How to use black salt in the kitchen

What is black salt?

Black salt is also known as Kala Namak or Himalayan black salt. It is very popular in Asian and Indian cuisine. It usually comes from the salt mines of India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It has volcanic origins and is made up of sulphur compounds which contribute to its smell and taste. It is also made up of iron and potassium chloride. 

Ayurveda considers black salt as a cooling spice. Black salt was first used in Ayurvedic medicine for its holistic, therapeutic properties. It is filled with minerals that are insoluble, making them harder to be absorbed by the body. 

Today, black salt is commonly used in cooking and is a popular ingredient in Indian and Asian-inspired recipes. 

 Is black salt healthy?

According to Ayurvedic medicine black salt has holistic and therapeutic properties. Drinking water with a bit of black salt on an empty stomach in the morning helps to remove toxins from the body.

Black salt works like an antioxidant and contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron.

Adding it to your dishes may improve digestion by increasing the bile production in the liver. It also has laxative properties, so it helps with constipation. People with diabetes may use black salt to help maintain sugar levels in the body.

Using black salt with coconut oil on the skin helps prevent infections such as eczema and rash, cure inflammation, and release pain. You can also use it for relaxing and healing baths.

 

What can I cook with black salt?

Have you ever thought of making vegan scramble with chickpea flour? Well, kala namak will be perfect for that. It has a unique eggy flavour that will make your egg-free scramble taste just like the real thing. That's all thanks to sulfur compounds which contribute to the savoury flavour and smell, very similar to the one of cooked eggs, and acidic bisulfates and bisulfites that create a mild sour taste.

Don't worry, the eggy smell disappears once the black salt is added to food. 

Black salt can be used for many Asian and Indian recipes adding a strong and distinctive flavour to your dishes. Try it on roast veggies, in soups, tofu and vegan dishes. 

 

Can I use black salt every day?

Yes, you can. Remember that black salt, just like normal salt, shouldn't be eaten in excess. Although is lower in sodium the maximum dose is less than 6 grams per day.

Consuming too much salt every day may lead to an excess of sodium in the body. This may cause increased water retention and higher blood pressure. It may also lead to nausea and vomiting. 

 

Where can I buy black salt? 

You can find black salt in speciality supermarkets and Indian corner shops. You can also easily get it delivered to you by ordering it online.

Buy black salt online at Wholefood Earth and start adding to your daily dishes!